GAME REPORT

GHP Bamberg 78 - Aris BSA Thessaloniki 64

Ulvis Helmanis (25 points) and Gert Kullamäe (13 points) led GHP Bamberg to their 5th win in this season's FIBA Europe League and top place in Group C, after victory over Greek giants Aris Thessaloniki.

The spectators saw a defensive minded first quarter. Both teams had problems finding the basket and missed the easiest of opportunities. Despite the continued absence of leading rebounder Chris Ensminger, Bamberg controlled the boards.

MVP Ulvis Helmanis

A 3-pointer f rom Helmanis and 2 lay-ups from guard Steffen Hammann allowed Bamberg to increase to take a 21:14 lead in the second quarter. The Germans were still struggling with the ball in their hands though and committed several shot clock violations.

To the relief of the Bamberg fans, Aris proved to have even more problems on offense. They were scoreless for 8 minutes and could manage only 5 points in the whole second quarter. They trailed 25:18 at halftime.

The break seemed to revive both teams and they found their touch from long range through Helmanis and Kullamäe for Bamberg and Toby Bailey and Nestoras Kommatos for Aris. The Greeks even managed to cut the lead and came back to tie the game at 41:41.

The 4th quarter belongd to Helmanis. The Latvian forward scored 10 points in a row for Bamberg and the home side took a 52:42 lead. Aris were not out of the game, but 2 technical fouls with 4 minutes to go effectvely ended their comeback chances and Bamberg took the win.